Philly to consider reviving an old police district before the World Cup
Why it matters: A Memorial Day mass shooting has renewed concerns about public safety in the city's sprawling park, which will serve as the site of next year's FIFA Fan Fest.
Thousands of spectators are expected to swarm Lemon Hill for watch parties and entertainment during the tournament's five weeks.
Driving the news: City Council is holding a hearing in September to discuss reviving Philadelphia's 92nd Police District.
It's the first step in what could become a contentious debate about whether there's enough funding and manpower for an additional outpost amid a police staffing shortage.
Zoom in: Councilperson Curtis Jones Jr., who introduced the proposal, tells Axios that residents have recently complained about an increase in crime and quality of life issues in the park, ranging from feral dogs to reports of joggers being attacked on trails.
He hopes a specialized unit of 50 officers — some on bikes, others on horseback — can be in place in time for next year's busy slate of events.
The unit would be able to easily reach some of the park's most remote stretches, including areas that Jones says have become hotspots for illegal dumping and intimate encounters.
Flashback: The park once had its own police force, the Fairmount Park Guards, which was formed in 1868 and kept watch over visitors and the area's historic mansions.
About a century later, it merged with Philly police, forming the 92nd Police District.
The unit was disbanded in 2008 because of budget cuts.
Since then, several surrounding police districts have divvied up responsibility for responding to calls in the area, Jones says.
By the numbers: It could cost more than $3 million a year to staff the park — a figure based on starting salaries of graduating police recruits. Plus, overhead for supervising brass.
What they're saying: Critics will say, 'This is a lot for the park. Shall we be guarding the squirrels, the trees, the bees?'" Jones tells Axios. "No, we're guarding the people."
Plus, some costs could be offset by transferring police officers currently working in less-busy districts, Jones says.
Meg Kane, host city executive, tells Axios security planning is underway for next year's World Cup, but having "any additional security measures" would be a "positive development."
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